The Union Cabinet on Monday decided to accord minority status to Jains but the decision would be subject to the outcome of pending cases on the issue. While a proposal to this effect was put up to the Cabinet by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs some weeks ago, it assumed urgency after Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi threw his weight behind the Jain community’s demand on Sunday.

If the court cases are settled in favour of the Jains, the community would become the sixth designated minority community of the country.

As per the Cabinet note, Jains would be included as a minority under Section 2(c) of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Act (NCM), 1992.

In 2005, the Supreme Court had disposed the appeal of minority-designation-for-Jains advocate Bal Patil — in the case that now goes by his name — on the ground that the judgment in the T.M.A. Pai case had said States would be the unit for considering demands of both linguistic and religious minority status.

A review petition filed by the Centre in this regard is still pending.

A contentious issue for long since a section of Jains is opposed to being declared a minority, the decks were cleared for inclusion of the community under the NCM Act after the Attorney General opined that this would be “neither illegal nor unconstitutional”.

Officials in the Ministry said no separate legislation was needed and the executive order for including Jains within the ambit of the NCM would suffice. The NCM had made out a case for designating Jains as a minority community way back in 2000.

This decision would allow the community to run their educational institutions as per the same rules that govern all minority institutions. As of now, Jains are regarded as minorities in some States, including Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Jains, according to the 2001 Census, make up 0.4 per cent of the country’s population. In the winter session of Parliament, Union Minister of Minority Affairs K. Rahman Khan had informed the Lok Sabha that the representations from several Jain organisations demanding national minority status for the community was “under active consideration”.

Jain is a separate Religion. Jains are often confused with Hindus or Buddhists. Jains want to protect their religious identity rather than any reservations/quotas etc.

from:
Amu Jain

Posted on: Jan 22, 2014 at 13:00 IST

It is unfortunate that Jains has to appeal for minority status. Jain kids are getting behind in education. Most of the Jains are lower middle class families. Their kids can't afford higher tuition fees and colleges with donations seats. Even after getting education their chances of getting government job is null. I think if Govt to forgo the quota system it will be better for all. But until then it is fair. Having a 0.4% of population of India shall be granted true minority status.

from:
Hiren

Posted on: Jan 22, 2014 at 10:50 IST

The sect of Jainism is realistically part & parcel of larger umbrella of Hinduism. Jains also take 'fere' to get married, Jain women wear sari, mangalsutra in neck & a bindi on their forehead as their traditional attire. And, Jain community burns a dead body as aprt of last rites. As per supreme court ruling & popular belief & public opinion also, 'Hindu' is name of a lifestyle & not a particular 'way of worship', Jains definitely have a special way of worship & their own pillars of belief, but that should not alone qualify to be called a minority. Jains also give reverance to Lord Rama, Krishna etc. & regard them holy figures. As a matter of fact, all groups within 'Sanatan Hindu Dharma' have their own godheads e.g. Brahmins worship Parashuram, Baniyas worship Agrasen, Dalits worship Gogadev, Kerala hindus worship Ayappa, Rajasthan hindus worship Ramdev; there are mayriad of sects et al. Going by this logic, the large umbrella of Hinduism will break down one day if groups go 1 by1

from:
Uday Singh

Posted on: Jan 21, 2014 at 20:23 IST

A lot of people seem to be confused. The Jain community is a separate religion just like sikhs, buddhists, christians. The brahmin community cannot be given minority status is because they belong to the Hindu community and are a part of it. By getting the minority tag, Jains have ensured that their religion is protected and further ensured from being confused with hindusims andb buddhism

from:
A.Jain

Posted on: Jan 21, 2014 at 19:05 IST

It is high time that any community is given minority status on caste basis. Jains are most richest community in India , and there are many other section of people who are economically backward , rather they should be given this status.

On the other hand , Jains should refuse to take Minority status.

from:
RAJIV TIBDEWAL

Posted on: Jan 21, 2014 at 18:40 IST

It's give new strength to Congress to win 2014 polls

from:
Preeti

Posted on: Jan 21, 2014 at 18:33 IST

Very good step by UPA, by this Congress gets new strength.

from:
Kriti

Posted on: Jan 21, 2014 at 16:43 IST

Good timing to capture the vote bank!!!!

from:
RAJA

Posted on: Jan 21, 2014 at 14:59 IST

NOTE : I am annoyed Jain today.

This is the message I want to spread. Please help me do the same. I am tweeting to Meenakshi Lekhi , Namo 272 Mission and organizing protest. Tonight is the night .... wink

" Congress has given Minority Status to Jains, Now its our turn to give Minority Status to Congress in Parliament "

We are ready for dharna / Protest with " Mupati " Saying " Micchami Dukkadam " Written on it.

Mupati in Jainism is put on mouth so that insects do not get killed. It is Jain Symbol.

Micchami Dukkadam in Jainism Means "Sorry" .........

Please spread the word.

from:
Chandresh Turakhia

Posted on: Jan 21, 2014 at 14:34 IST

How is Jain Community minority? If that is the case then I think they should also declare the baniya and brahmin community as minority too. Most of them have already left the country and in most of the states like U.P. they are in serious minority. Majority being the muslims!

from:
VG

Posted on: Jan 21, 2014 at 14:16 IST

Though very late, decision to grant minority status to Jain community is welcome one. No doubt, Rahul Gandhi's initiative in this matter forced government to take the decision. Now, it is Jain community's turn to use this opportunity for welfare of people.